Advantages

Disadvantages

Fresh is best

My bigest challenge for the last two years is to set a part of the garden by and be more self-sufficent. Erm... its an ongoing process! But I have grown edible items in my garden and survived! Yay

So this is my attempt at CORIANDER. One of my little successes so far...

There are two ways to grow Coriander, if you want the coriander for the seeds, then you need to make sure the seed you plant have direct sunlight, this will cause them to re-seed and grow quicker. By putting them in direct sunlight this will help grow the seeds faster but the foliage is huge so make way for it.
If you just want the leaves[ which I really aim for] then you need to make sure there is partial sun so it doesn't flower to quickly. Allowing the leaves more time to develop.
I found through trial and error that the deeper you plant these seeds the better the stalk is rooted and greater chance it has of flowering and not seeding.

I love the freedom of being able to walk into our garden and collect fresh Coriander for our dishes however a small pointer is that if you intend to grow these in your garden fresh, they tend to be more bitter or stronger than the shops due to the freshness, over time this has grown [ boom boom] on me on the other hand I wish I had been warned first:) The taste knocks you out if you put in too much.

Within three weeks these flowered and we could use the seed and leaves for dishes.
To colect the seed uproot and hang upside down, let them dry out and fall from the root naturally, with that in mind, to keep these ongoing its best to re-seed every three weeks. I personally just take five minutes on a Monday to re-seed them so its all constant rotation.
They don't need much water either so if it slips your mind its not the end of the plant. x I keep a bottle of water becuase the plant in a spray bottle to make it easier.

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

Coriander essential oil is also known as Chinese parsley and coriander seed oil. It is extracted by steam distillation from the crushed, ripe seeds. (Another oil is produced from the fresh and dried leaves but it contains a high proportion of decyl aldehydw and shouldn't be used for aromatherpy. Check this out carefully before you buy). Folklore/Tradition: +++++++++++++++++++ The seeds of the coriander plant were found in the tomb of the ancient Egyptian King Rameses 11. The oil is said to be helpful for diarrhoea, digestive trouble and flatulence. In Chinese medicine the herb is used for hernia, piles, measles, toothache and even dysentry. Used to fragrance perfumes, toiletries and soaps. Used to flavour liquers such as Chartreuse and Benedictine. Also used to flavour pipe tobacco. Uses: +++++++ Painkiller, appetite stimulant, aphrodisiac, (?) anti-rheumatic so its good for muscle and joint pain, antispasmodic so may help with asthma, arthritis, gout (helps to drain lymph so may make this condition less painful) poor circulation (cold feet and gands) stiffness in joints, nausea, colds, 'flu', infections of the respiratory system, migraine, neuralgia, nervous exhaustion. How to use: +++++++++++++ Blends well with clary sage, bergamot, jasmine, neroli, petitgrain, citronella, sandalwood, cypress, pine, ginger, peppermint and many others. I like to blend this oil with clove and citronella. This lifts the fragrance and gives it a bit of 'zing'. Use a small amount of vodka or saki in an egg cup mixed with six drops of essential oil in proportions to suit. Remember that the fragrance will change once you put it in the bath water. Take care with very strong oils like clove or peppermint as the aroma from these can overpower the others in the bl end. Use a similar blend as a room fragrancer to get all the benefits without too much effort. Just relax and enjoy. If you want to use this oil for body massage mix it with a carrier oil (grapeseed, almond oil, or similar) in the proportion of 7 drops to 15 mils of oil. (Save the little plastic measuring cup from Night Nurse or a mouthwash for this purpose!) Whatever oils you decide to blend don't use more than the suggested number of drops or you may burn your skin. If you want to use this oil as an analgesic for painful joints, it is easier to blend it in vitamine E face cream and use this to rub the affected area. (Use 15mils cream with 7 drops of oil.) Warning: ++++++++ Generally non toxic but still not to be taken internally. If used correctly this oil isn't an irritant and an adverse reaction is rare. Use in moderation as this oil can have a 'stupefying effect' if used in large doses. Keep in a safe, secure place and use only as directed. Make sure that you buy 'coriander sativum' 100% essential oil (family: Apiaceae). The best oil comes from USSR and Romania. Verdict: ++++++++ Not one of my favourites but I do find this oil quite effective at easing joint pain in my hips. A warm bath with 6 drops of this oil usually relieves it enough to allow sleep. However, it isn't an aroma that I find particularly pleasant. I would much rather use lovage, or hyssop which have similar properties.

Comments

Advantages

Disadvantages

Coriander is not one of the more widely used essential oils, although it does have it's uses. In medieval Europe it was considered to have aphrodisic qualities; a herb used by witches for love potions and magic! Likewise in Tudor England it was used as an ingredient of a drink offered to guests at weddings and other festive occasions to 'raise their spirits' Whey hey! Coriander has a spicy and sweet aroma, (which is very sensual and euphoric) and is used for relieving muscular aches and pains as it is very warming - it increases circulation. Also useful for promoting sleep and alleviating nervous exhaustion. Particularly suited for those people who over worry and have anxious dispositions. Traditionally Coriander is believed to be an oil of protection and everlasting life and it's seeds were found in the Egyption tomb of Rameses II.